Al-Zaidi

Iraq's confrontation with Kataib Hezbollah could reshape Iran's regional influence - analysis

Iraq's prime minister is challenging Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah over alleged oil smuggling, raising the stakes in Baghdad's struggle to assert state authority over armed militias.

 US-IRAQ-DIPLOMACY-UN-POLITICS Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City, US, September 21, 2026.
Christians attend a service at the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate Church during a mass for "World Peace", where all Christian denominations gathered to pray for an end to the war in the Middle East, in Baghdad on April 16, 2026.

Iraq opens new Coptic cathedral in Baghdad welcoming diaspora Christians to return safely

Prime Minister of Iraq Ali al-Zaidi speaks during a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on July 14, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Between Iran, Iraq and a hard place: Iraq’s prime minister weighs next moves - analysis

People watch as smoke billows from an oil warehouse in the Kani Qirzhala area on the outskirts of Erbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, following a suspected drone strike, on April 1, 2026.

Widespread blackout caused by drone attack on Khor Mor gas field, exposing Iraqi vulnerabilities


Iran-backed Iraqi militias may lash out amid increased pressure from US - analysis

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have played a central role in expanding Tehran’s influence in the country, particularly through their involvement in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Fighters lift flags of Iraq and paramilitary groups, including al-Nujaba and Kataib Hezbollah, during a funeral in Baghdad for five militants killed a day earlier in a US strike in northern Iraq, on December 4, 2023.

Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages- analysis

The prospect of renewed activity has also revived concerns among Syrians who remember the involvement of Iran-backed armed groups in the country's civil war.

Shiite muslim pilgrims hold portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (R), Imam Ali (C) and depiction of Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali ibn Abi Talib (L) as they march to the shrine city of Karbala ahead of commemorations for Arbaeen on July 19, 2026.

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi arrives in Syria in landmark post-Assad summit on security, trade - analysis

Syria’s Sharaa said that Syria's role as a trade corridor for Iraq is important. He stressed the example of the connections between Iraq's Faw Port and Syria's Mediterranean port of Tartous.

Iraqi Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chairs the Ministerial Council for National Security for an emergency meeting, to discuss the latest security developments and the attack carried out by the US and Saudi air forces, Baghdad, Iraq, July 29, 2026.

Tensions continue to mount as Iraq balances the Iran border crossing closures with national needs

Authorities closed the al-Shib crossing last week as they upgraded security and detection equipment, an Iraqi official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Iraq's government struggling amid threats of rebellion, protests, rising Iran tensions - analysis

The dispute comes amid tensions between Baghdad and Tehran and renewed protests in the Iraqi capital marking the anniversary of the 2019 Tishreen movement.

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Iraqi PM orders investigation into provincial council threats over closed Iran border crossing

Authorities closed the crossing last week as they upgraded security and detection equipment, an Iraqi official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C) looks on during the family photo during the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad on October 17, 2026.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq accuse US of violating airspace, as threats grow - analysis

On October 24, the US Embassy in Iraq published an update to the State Department's travel advisory, noting there is a risk of terrorist violence.

Two US Air Force A-10 Warthog aircraft patrol the skies over the Middle East, October 24, 2026; Illustrative.

Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran amid US pressure on Baghdad

Iraq is in the spotlight because Iran continues to pressure Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups. The US is pressuring Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Despite US sanctions on Iranian flights, up to forty a day may still fly to Iraq’s Najaf - analysis

Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.

Demonstrators gather outside the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport in Najaf on September 28, 2026, demanding the facility to be reopened for flights from Iran.

Joy mixed with fear as US forces leave Iraq amid potential security vacuum

Some Iraqi security officials say the US pullout also risks giving new life to ISIS fighters, who, despite the defeat of their self-proclaimed caliphate nearly a decade ago, retain a cell network.

A member of the Iraqi security forces, flashes the victory sign during a military parade marking the withdrawal of the US-led coalition from Iraq, in Baghdad on September 30, 2026.